The Farr Side: Contest open for singer-songwriters

Thursday

Are you a singer-songwriter? Do you possess the talent necessary to be a recording artist? Do you have dreams of making it big in the music world?

If your answer to those questions is “yes,” Chesky Records is looking for you.

Chesky Records hopes to sign a new singer-songwriter for its Grammy-winning label. The New York-based company is running a contest this summer in the hopes of finding artists ready to break into the industry.

Chesky Records was formed in 1988 by brothers David and Norman Chesky. The company produces music from many genres, including jazz, folk, classical, pop, R&B and world music.

Chesky also has been well-represented with awards and nominations, including multiple Grammy nominations such as wins for “Best Latin Jazz Recording” (“Portraits Of Cuba” Paquito D’Rivera) and “Best Latin Jazz Album” (“Tropicana Nights” Paquito D’Rivera).

Jeff Lanier, label manager at Chesky Records, said he is excited to see all the possible prospects and entries submitted.

“We’re looking for someone with talent, a great voice, songs that can translate, and is charismatic,” Lanier said. “Lightning in a bottle, I suppose.”

Basic requirements: Candidates must be a singer-songwriter, domestically based and of age to enter into a contract.

Interested artists will need to create or use a Reverbnation account, since that is the platform Chesky is using for accepting and reviewing all submissions.

The contest is underway now, Lanier said. The label will accept submissions throughout the summer. Once all submissions are in, the label will narrow the field to 16.

“These 16 entries will then be featured on Audiophile magazine’s Head-Fi website (www.head-fi.org) for a fan voting bracket. This creates an additional level of exposure even for those who aren’t inevitably chosen for the contract offer,” Lanier said.

The winner will be signed immediately so work can begin on an album, Lanier said

“We plan to record and release an album as soon as possible, likely in early 2016,” Lanier said.

Lanier has spent much if his career in New York working in A&R.

Prior to his arrival at Chesky Records, Lanier worked as a scout for Roadrunner Records (Nickelback, Slipknot, Stone Sour). He also served as the A&R director for New Music Seminar.

If you’re aspiring singer-songwriter, go to Reverbnation.com and give it a shot.

David T. Farr is a Sturgis, Michigan, Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.

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